Anna Belle takes pride in being an independent one-woman act with memorable melodies, analog-esque production, and computery, 80s-reminiscent visuals. In 2018, she was featured on the regionally syndicated late night show The Mystery Hour and performed at Playlist Live Orlando 2019. In 2021, Anna Belle released her second EP entitled "Barely functional.," which acts as a flagship demonstration of her artistry-- nostalgic, sparkly, and engaging. Anna Belle graduated from Belmont University in 2020 and currently spends her day teaching voice, writing and producing on the song platforms Songlorious and Songfinch, and working on her upcoming album entitled SCHEHERAZADE.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Hello Anna Belle. When was the idea to go into music born?
When I was around 11, music became my central interest, so from then on I couldn't imagine doing anything else.
What do you use when producing music?
I use a Roland FA-06 workstation and Pro Tools.
Your latest song is 'Glass Delusion'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
I was messing with my keytar and came up with that synth pattern that opens the song, then merged that with lyrics I had written after an adverse and stressful event. I thought production would just take me a couple days but it ended up taking several weeks.
What was the most difficult challenge you faced?
The hardest part was getting the overall vocal sound right. I wanted it to sound inspired by dream pop/shoegaze but have a genuine and clean 80s feel. It was difficult to find a balance.
What does your music studio look like? What is included in it?
My studio is just my keyboard, my laptop, and my Shure SM7B plugged up to a FocusRite. I do have a few other instruments I use for various purposes, but that's the core of how I do everything.
How do you know when a work is finished?
I just have to call it "done" at some point. I could alter something forever and never be happy with it. One time I knew one of my songs was done because I cried listening back to the master. This time for Glass Delusion, I just felt resolved and decided to bounce and upload it.
What are your long term goals?
I would love to have some sort of steady audience one day, enough to be able to tour. That's always been a dream of mine. I get so nervous playing shows and I feel like touring would be exposure therapy in a sense-- I would also love to try out new markets and have fans who know my music.
Do you have a mentor or coach?
I don't have one single mentor, but I have friends whom I feel influence me directly and indirectly to grow as a musician and try new things. Shout out to Sammy Kay, MNERVA, KIE, and so many more.
What are your biggest achievements in your career?
To list some off: I've done a song for an upcoming film, I was called by a producer to perform for a national music show taping (cancelled due to COVID), and I've performed at Playlist Live Orlando. One thing that stands out to me though is when I was recognized by someone I had never met before at the mall, and she was able to name some of my songs off the top of her head. That was fascinating.
Where is the best place in the world you’ve ever been to?
I love where I live currently, Nashville-- but I constantly yearn to visit New York City for a second time. That's where everything is. There is something for every type of person there. I love the energy. I'm planning to visit soon.